Loading…
South Dakota · SD
South Dakota CDL
Knowledge Test
Everything you need to pass the South Dakota CDL knowledge test. The same FMCSA-standardized questions used across all 50 states.
Total CDL fee
$40
CLP wait
14 days
Min age
18+
To pass
80%
CDL Test Sections
The CDL knowledge test is administered by section. Passing score for all sections is 80%.
✓
General KnowledgeREQUIRED
50 questions · Pass with 40+
A
Air Brakes
25 questions · Pass with 20+
C
Combination Vehicles
20 questions · Pass with 16+
H
Hazardous Materials (HazMat)
30 questions · Pass with 24+
D
Doubles & Triples
20 questions · Pass with 16+
T
Tanker Vehicles
20 questions · Pass with 16+
P
Passenger Transport
20 questions · Pass with 16+
S
School Bus
20 questions · Pass with 16+
What to Know About CDL in South Dakota
South Dakota CDL fees: approximately $40 total (CLP $20 + CDL $20)
South Dakota is a major agricultural state — livestock, grain, and corn ethanol trucking dominate
I-90 across South Dakota is a primary coast-to-coast freight route
South Dakota has no income tax, attracting trucking company registrations
CDL holders must hold CLP for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test
South Dakota DPS exam sites provide computerized CDL knowledge testing
Legal notice
This information is provided for educational purposes only. Requirements can change. Always verify with South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) for the most current information.
How to Get Your CDL in South Dakota
The steps to earn a commercial driver's license in South Dakota, from your DOT medical card to your CDL.
- 1
Get your DOT medical card
Visit a certified medical examiner, pass the DOT physical, and keep the certificate on file with South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS).
- 2
Study and pass the knowledge test
Cover General Knowledge plus any endorsements you need (Air Brakes, Combination, HazMat). Practice every section on Koydo until you're scoring 80%+.
- 3
Get your CLP
Pass the South Dakota knowledge test at a South Dakota DPS Exam Site and pay the ~$20 permit fee to receive your commercial learner's permit.
- 4
Hold your CLP for 14 days
Federal rules require a minimum 14-day wait while you practice driving with a licensed CDL holder.
- 5
Pass the skills test
Schedule the pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test with South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) (or an approved third-party tester).
- 6
Get your South Dakota CDL
Pay the ~$20 CDL fee and you're licensed to drive commercially.
South Dakota CDL — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CDL cost in South Dakota?
South Dakota CDL fees come to about $40 total — roughly $20 for the commercial learner's permit (CLP) and $20 for the CDL itself, paid at South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS). Testing and endorsement fees can add to this, so always confirm current amounts with South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS).
What score do I need to pass the South Dakota CDL knowledge test?
You need 80% on each CDL knowledge section. South Dakota uses the same FMCSA-standardized question pool as every other state, so General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, and the endorsement tests are federally consistent.
How old do I have to be to get a CDL in South Dakota?
South Dakota issues a CDL at 18 for driving within the state (intrastate) and 21 for driving across state lines (interstate) or hauling hazardous materials.
How long must I hold a CLP before the South Dakota skills test?
At least 14 days. You pass the knowledge test first to earn your CLP, hold it for 14 days while practicing with a licensed CDL holder, then take the behind-the-wheel skills test.
Where do I take the CDL written test in South Dakota?
At a South Dakota DPS Exam Site. The knowledge test is computerized. Practice every section on Koydo before you go so you walk in ready.
Is the Koydo CDL practice test accurate for South Dakota?
Yes. Koydo's questions follow the FMCSA CDL standard that South Dakota tests on, plus state-rule practice — with no ads, and your first 15 questions a day are free.
Ready to get your CDL in South Dakota?
Start with 15 free questions. Premium adds state rules, parked-study audio, mock exam, and progress tracking.
Choose Premium →
Monthly, 6-month, and annual plans; Premium access starts after payment
Other states
AL CDL →AK CDL →AZ CDL →AR CDL →CA CDL →CO CDL →CT CDL →DE CDL →DC CDL →FL CDL →GA CDL →HI CDL →ID CDL →IL CDL →IN CDL →IA CDL →KS CDL →KY CDL →LA CDL →ME CDL →MD CDL →MA CDL →MI CDL →MN CDL →MS CDL →MO CDL →MT CDL →NE CDL →NV CDL →NH CDL →NJ CDL →NM CDL →NY CDL →NC CDL →ND CDL →OH CDL →OK CDL →OR CDL →PA CDL →RI CDL →SC CDL →TN CDL →TX CDL →UT CDL →VT CDL →VA CDL →WA CDL →WV CDL →WI CDL →WY CDL →